Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Juan Rodriguez Obituary
RODRIGUEZ, Juan A. Juan A. Rodriguez, 64, former resident of Middlefield, died on Thursday (August 31, 2006) at Connecticut Hospice in Branford, after a short illness. Mr. Rodriguez was born in Puerto Rico, to Juan and Marcolina Rodriguez. He graduated from New Britain High School in 1961 and earned both an undergraduate and graduate degree at the University of Hartford. He served in the U.S. Peace Corps in El Salvador for four years, where among his many accomplishments, he founded two schools. He married Yolanda del Cid in 1966 and they had two children, Sandra and Orlando. After living and teaching in El Salvador for seven years, he moved his family to Connecticut and taught science in the Hartford School System for 25 years (Weaver, Quirk and Hartford High). He contributed to the Middlefield community in many ways: he was a member of the Board of Education, the Board of Selectmen, President of Little League, and a member of the Republican Town Committee. He was director of a summer program at the Hartford College for Women, Project Crecer, which continues to operate and improve the future of disadvantaged Hispanic girls. His extraordinary talent as a teacher was highlighted in a 1988 Time Magazine article entitled "Who's Teaching Our Children?" In 2002, he and his wife retired and returned to El Salvador, where he continued his unbroken tradition of service through various activities in support of El Salvador's poorest children. Juan Rodriguez was a beloved man to many people beyond the family who adored him. He was an inspiration to everyone who knew him, and possessed a rare combination of intellect, leadership, compassion and humor. He loved reading great books, riding horses on El Salvador's beaches, tending to his tropical garden and entertaining friends and family at home. He is survived by his wife, Yolanda, his son Orlando, his daughter, Sandra, son-in-law Robert, grandson Patrick, and five siblings. A celebration of his life will be held at his daughter's home at 410 Anderson Avenue in Milford 06460 on Saturday, September 9, between the hours of 4-7 p.m. with ashes present. Religious services will be held in El Salvador. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to his favorite charity, an orphanage in El Salvador: Hogar de Ninas Natalia de Simán, care of the family at the address above.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Juan Rodriguez
Iris maurer rodriguez
August 31, 2024
Such a beautiful soul. Always fond memories and never forgotten. Your laughter and your stories will always be treasured. Love and light iris
Iris maurer rodriguez
August 31, 2023
Always will have a special place in my heart. You will never be forgotten. Love iris y chuito tu primo.
Antonio Sánchez
January 22, 2019
Por favor, a la familia de mister Rodríguez, me perdonan que mi agradecimiento a la amistad del maestro ha llegado tarde.Yo soy nuevo en Internet. Además, nunca es tarde para mostrar agradecimiento.
Antonio Sánchez
January 21, 2019
El maestro Juan Rodríguez fue un amigo y consejero de mi sobrino Joel Crucetts.Fue como un padre para él y un amigo muy querido de mi familia. Compartió con nosotros su tiempo y su sabiduría y bondad a manos llenas. Lo llevamos en el corazón.
Antonio Sánchez
January 21, 2019
Mister Juan Rodríguez was a great man and like a father to my nephew, Joel Crucetts .I kept a column,he sent me.He published the column in Hartford Courant.He was a very gentle and sensitive soul.
Erik Pederson
April 7, 2007
Unlce johnny, took my sister and my self , under his wing and made us feel like we were part of his family, even though we part of the family by virtue of his sister ana.
this made no difference to johnny. Being the oldest in the family, johnny took the lead in accepting my sister and me into the Rodriquez family. There is not a day goes by that Uncle johnny is not in my mind. The good lord has set a very special place beside his throne, and Uncle johnny is sitting there at this very moment.
SEMPER FIDELIS Uncle Johnny you will be deeply missed.
HM2(FMF) Erik Pederson
orlando rodriguez
March 4, 2007
Dad you are still and always will be in my thoughts. I like to think that every beautiful sunset is your doing. I thank you everytime I see one.
G. Roxana Novoa
October 20, 2006
Queridos amigos,
Condolencias por nuestro muy recordado y querido Profesor Mr. Rodriguez. Siempre tendremos su espiritu dedicado en esos anos de juventud a la "clase del 79".
Roxana Novoa
Mariella Viaud de Houdelot
October 16, 2006
Estimada Familia Rodriquez:
Reciban mis sentidas condolencias por la partida de Mr. Rodriguez. Él fué un gran profesor para nuestra clase del 79 y disfrutamos mucho de su compañía durante la celebración de el 25 aniversario. Que Diosito le mantenga en su gloria.
Margarita Avalos
October 12, 2006
Yolanda, Sandrita y Orlano,
Mis pensamientos y oraciones estan con ustedes por la perdida de ese gran sponsor que tuvimos. Esten felices que Mr Rodriguez dejo una huella fuerte en su querida Class of '79.
Ricardo Freund
October 11, 2006
Querida Familia Rodriguez:
Leyendo un libro en la Sinagoga este Yom Kippur aprendí que en la religión judía se debe honrar y respetar a los maestros igual o más que a los padres por que los padres nos traen al mundo, los maestros nos dan las herramientas para vivir en el.
Mis más sinceras condolencias por la muerte de "Mr. Rodriguez". Estudié ingeniería por mi formación e interés en la ciencia, recordaré a nuestro "class sponsor" siempre con mucho cariño.
Ricardo
Anne Campbell
October 11, 2006
Dear Rodriguez Family:
Please accept my condolences on the passing of Mr. Juan Rodriguez, I remember him fondly , Teaching was a joy for him. He believed in his students.
Karen M Osegueda (previously Morales)
October 11, 2006
Mr. Rodriguez was the only teacher that threw chalk at me!! It definitely got my attention! I had stayed up late to perform in a Band concert the night before and was resting my head on my books. Well, that never happened again. I really liked the way he taught science, which made me think twice about cutting leaves off trees. We enjoyed having him around on field trips and at parties. Sorry for your loss. I will remember him with fond thoughts.
Leonie Bicard Valdez, Class of '79, Escuela Americana
October 11, 2006
Yolanda, Sandrita y Orlando,
Reciban mis sinceras condolencias por el fallecimiento de Mr. Rodriguez, sepan que desde aca los acompaño en su pesar. Mr. Rodriguez fue un gran maestro para una materia bastante oscura, o por lo menos a mi así me pareció la química. Tambien fue un gran guía como "class sponsor" y en especial para los que tuvimos la oportunidad de trabajar de cerca a él en el Student Council.
A todos les va un fuerte abrazo,
Leonie
David Hills
October 11, 2006
Dear Rodriguez Family:
Please accept my condolences on the passing of Mr. Juan Rodriguez, our High School Chem teacher and Class Advisor for several years. He was a no-nonsense, exacting ("it's 29.0, not 29") and passionate teacher and person. In retrospect, he was probably the teacher that prepared us the best for college and life beyond.
David Hills
Escuela Americana Class of '79
Anita Spence
October 11, 2006
I am so saddened by Mr. Rodriguez's sudden passing. I will always remember him as one of my most influential teachers. His teaching method made me a "thinking" student, a very important quality that has followed me through college, graduate school, and my work. I am very thankful he was part of my academic life. My deepest sympathy goes to his family.
Anita Velis Spence
Escuela Americana, El Salvador
Class of 1979
Tim Groman
October 3, 2006
Dear Yolanda and Family.
It was with great sadness that we learned of Juan's passing. He meant a lot to the Escuela Americana Class of 79. He was a great teacher, mentor and friend to all of us. He has made an impact on thousands of lives. He was a gifted teacher who helped students find their way. He was always there to help his students and his family.
We are proud to have studied under his guidance.
God Bless.
Tim Groman
Escuela Americana, El Salvador
Class of 1979
Linda DeNovellis
September 25, 2006
Yolanda & Family,
I just heard about Johnny's passing. My sympathy, thoughts, and prayers go out to your family. May you find comfort in reminiscing with fond memories of your husband and father.
Colleen Fleming
September 19, 2006
Dear Sandy and family -- may the inspiring life that your father and husband led give you great strength to continue his legacy of giving the gift of education and a love of books.
Jose Romero
September 19, 2006
Jose Antenor Romero y Mayra Roxana Falck
Elizabeth Palacios
September 19, 2006
Dear Yoli and family: On behalf of my family and myself, please know that we have John in our prayers and that our God will give you the strength to go on and remember always the good things he did for others and the wonderful man that he was.
Elizabeth Palacios & Family
Jaun, Lupi & Sebas Gorospe
September 18, 2006
Queridos Tia Yoly & Primos:
En estos momentos las palabras no ayudan mucho a expresar nuestros sentimientos. De todo corazón estamos con ustedes recordando todos los buenos momentos compartidos, en especial con el Tio Johny. Les queremos mucho y extrañamos, con amor...
Eleta Jones
September 15, 2006
Dear Family of Juan,
I am so sorry to hear about Juan's passing. I knew him when he directed Project Crecer at Hartford College for Women. We always knew that summer was here because Juan would show up, all smiles and cheerfulness, and start to work on Project Crecer. He was a kind and caring man who made a tremendous difference in the lives of many girls in the Project Crecer program. He will be sorely missed in this world. My thoughts and prayers are with you. ---Eleta Jones, The Career Counseling Center at Hartford College for Women
gilda velasquez
September 15, 2006
Querida Yoli, esta es una de las ocasiones en las que las palabras no son suficientes, ni para expresar nuestro carino, ni para expresar como los extranamos. Conocer a Johny fue una bendicion y su recuerdo siempre sera una inspiracion.
La queremos muchisimo
Celia Dolores Paz e hijos
Lorraine DiMauro
September 15, 2006
When I saw Johnny's picture in the obituary while I was saddened a flood of pleasant memories of long ago flowed through my mind. Growing up as a friend of his sisters Irma and Ana, he was very kind to me and gave me great advice. My sincerest sympathies are with you.
Mauricio Salazar
September 14, 2006
Johnny’s return to El Salvador a few years back may have brought sadness to many of his friends and family in the United States. Johnny was convinced that coming to El Salvador meant a peaceful way to spend his retirement years, but I believe that more than that he was in need to come back home. Johnny was indeed a very special man, his love and enthusiasm for life and his caring for others made him at home wherever he traveled. The lives he touched and inspired at home in the United States were not enough, he also touched and inspired many lives at home in El Salvador. A few moments with him were enough to realize you were talking to an extraordinary person.We will miss Johnny but we will never forget him.
Norma X. Perez
September 14, 2006
Dear Yoly and Family:
My family would like to express our deepest condolences for the loss of your husband and father. Our thought and prayers are with you.
Ana Pederson
September 13, 2006
To My Dearest Brother: Here I am again, your sister, as usual. I want to say that some of the things that made you proud, and I know it, because you knew as well, are: the strength and love of your wife, the coming home of your loving son from Iraq after having served our country for one year, and the publishing of your daughter's book, "The Heiress of Water...you read the rough copy, thank God for that..Ana
Roberto Jovel
September 13, 2006
Tia Yoli & Primos,
Our family would like to express our deepest condolences
for your loss. Tia, my memories of being the ring bearer at your
wedding all those years ago are still much a part of my life. Tio was such a good and giving person. May God keep and reward him in his kingdom. God Bless. All our love,
Roberto & Anna Jovel & Sons
Crystal Castleberry-Floyd
September 13, 2006
I just wanted to say my prayers go out to his family. Mr. Ridriguez was an excellent teacher at Hartford High, he made science fun which made me want to learn and keep learning. Class of 1996 will miss you.
Melisa Monson
September 11, 2006
Johnny....
A man i always enjoyed seeing and spending time with.
Being with him and his family made me feel very welcome and a part of a his family.
His jokes and laughter will be with me forever. Johnny was a man with such a great spirit and so giving.
He taught us all and we will continue to learn from him,as he watches over us.
Yolanda,Sandy and Ditto,
Peace be with you and with your spirit.
Love Always
Melisa
Barbara Cuellar
September 10, 2006
For everyone who knew Mr. Rodriguez we know he has touched our lives in one way or another. When I met Mr. Rodriguez I was enrolled in his summer program at the Hartford College for Women. My memories are very vivid when I worked side by side with him my last year in his program. He was also my Chemistry teacher in Highschool. I will always remember his commitment towards education especially for the years he dedicated at the program. I learned a lot of professionalism after leaving the program because of him.
So this one goes out to you Mr. Rodriguez for making a mark in my life as we celebrate your life. My sincerest condolences to his family.
Mario Cardona
September 9, 2006
Rodriguez Family,
May time soften the pain until all that remains is the comfort of memories. I will always remember spending the holidays in your home. Johnny always made me feel like a part of your family. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Mario (Morazancillo)
iris maurer
September 9, 2006
To cousin Johnny,
How I will always remember your laughter, your spirit and the special bond and love you always shared with my dad Chuito. Whenever I hear the song En Mi viejo San Juan, I will always remember you. Always know that you have touched so many lives and it will always be remembered that way. Te quierro!
tu prima,
iris rodriguez/maurer
Carol Schilling
September 9, 2006
Juan was one of those special people that touched your life. When you met him he then became a life long friend. I was the secretary when he was President of the Middlefield Rockfall Little League. He was a father to all, coach, teacher,mentor, cheerleader, and never missed a chance to praise a child whether they struck out or hit a home run.
I can remember a particular Little League opening day, when a tossed ball landed squarely on my son's nose. Juan was the first one out there to offer help, and from that day on Juan called him Scrappy. I think Juan had a nickname for almost every child he knew!
My sincere condolences to the family, please take solace in knowing what a special man he was, who touched so many that are sincerely saddened by his passing. We all have special memories of Juan that make us smile.
Carol
Jay and Becca Gedney
Frank Cardona
September 8, 2006
Padrino-
Thank you for welcoming us into your family. My fondest memories are of holidays eating, laughing and dancing in your home. Your guidance and advice have helped me achieve my goals. Your laughter will be missed but your smile will always warm my heart.
-Morazan
Tony Dignoti
September 8, 2006
To Yolanda and Family:
Sorry to hear of the loss of your husband and father. You're in my thoughts and prayers.
Neil Westman
September 8, 2006
Uncle Johnny,
you're the only one who has fully understood what some see as my unorthodox dreams and aspirations. You never questioned my curiosity about what what lies beyond our everyday lives and you always asked about my trips abroad and listened to me with the open mind that only another fellow citizen of the world can possess. You reassured me that my dream of finding a more tranquil life among nature and its processes is both noble and human. And so, someday, while I'm cultivating my dreams among the crowing of roosters in a balmy tropical breeze, I will think of you and how your influence led me down yet another glorious path. Thank you so much...
Neil Westman
September 8, 2006
Uncle Johnny,
you're the only one who has fully understood what some see as my unorthodox dreams and aspirations. You never questioned my curiosity about what what lays beyond our everyday life and you always asked about my trips abroad and listened to me with the open mind that only another fellow citizen of the world can possess. You reassured me that my dream of finding a more tranquil life among nature and its processes is both noble and human. And so, someday, while I'm cultivating my dreams among the crowing of roosters in a balmy tropical breeze, I will think of you and how your influence led me down yet another glorious path. Thank you so much...
Pat Lerch
September 7, 2006
To Juan's family,
I worked with Juan for the years that he was at HPHS. He was such a gentleman in every sense of the word. Please accept my sincerest condolences at this very sad time.
Mary Eccles(Dr. Sullivan's)
September 7, 2006
To Yolanda, Ditto, & Sandra-
You were both just here in our office having your check-ups. You were so proud of your daughter's book being published. You asked about my little boy, my preemie- I cried when I read of Juan's passing. He was a terrific person and a joy to have in the office. He will be missed by all of us. Please know that I pray for all of you as well as Juan.
God Bless.
Cristina Cardona
September 7, 2006
My Dearest Rodriguez Family: My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your fond memories of Johny bring you comfort at this time and in the days ahead and may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends. Love, Cristy
Kelli McCarthy
September 7, 2006
To the Rodriguez Family,
I am so sad to hear about your terrible loss. I had the pleasure of meeting Juan once, and he was a very special man.
Vivian Luna-Mercado
September 7, 2006
I am very sadden by the loss of your father. Mr. Rod was a great teacher and a wonderful person. I was his student in the classical magnet at Quirk Middle and a student of his at Project Crecer. I'm actually part of the first group of girls to participate. May he rest in peace.
Nuni Feliciano
September 7, 2006
My condolences go out to Mr. Rod's family. I was a student of Mr. Rod in Quirk Middle School in the Classical Magnet Program (1983-84). Know that he was a great man and very well respected. May He Rest in Peace.
Ana Pederson
September 7, 2006
To My Dearest Brother, the eternal philanthropist: Even in the end, you gave of yourself for the good of others. To us, you left the specail gift of strength and fortitude to bear your loss. You left us with the sound of your laughter and your passion for life and all living things. We will forever see you in all things beautiful, like the sunrise...Your loving sister, Ana
Raquel Martinez
September 6, 2006
To the Family of Mr. Rod,
I am very sorry for the loss of your dear father. Mr. Rod was my teacher in middle school and high school in the Classical Magnet Program. I also was a student of his at Project Crecer at HCFW. He was an amazing teacher-fun, devoted, patient and caring. He made chemistry exciting and challenged us to explore and appreciate the sciences. I recall how much he cared for his students and have many fond memories that would make his children very proud. May he rest in peace.
Raquel Martinez
Class of 1995/HPHS
Rose DeRosa
September 6, 2006
Dear Yolanda, Ditto and Sandy:
No words can express our deepest sympathy to all of you. John Boy holds such a special place in all of our hearts. As I sat here and read his obituary, tears streamy from my eyes I remember all the wonderful times we had together and how John Boy touched all of our hearts including our 4 boys. They all still talk about Halloween and how John Boy used to scare them with his mask. They also talk about how he called them all Danny boy because he could not remember who was who. We will never forget him he was a very special neighbor but more than that a very special friend. You are all in our thoughts and prays.
Love Dan, Rose, Daniel, David, Matthew & Robert
orlando rodriguez
September 6, 2006
Dad,
I have never admired someone more than I admired and looked up to you. You showed me what it means to be a man and I will never forget that. I will always have you in my heart.
Your loving son,
Orlando(Ditto, Piche or whatever nickname is appropriate)
Father of a Soldier
September 6, 2006
Father of the Bride
September 6, 2006
"Grandpa Bum-bu"
September 6, 2006
You will aways be with us, Dad
September 6, 2006
A wonderful husband
September 6, 2006
Glory days
September 6, 2006
My favorite photo of us, Dad
September 6, 2006
Karen Shonta
September 6, 2006
Yolanda,Orlando,(Ditto)and Sandra
We are so sadden by the news of Juan's passing. We have so many fond memories of him.Especially how loving and sweet he was with our son Khristoper when he was a little boy. Juan always had a way with children and he always made Khris laugh. He was a kind and good man and a wonderful neighbor who will be missed by all that knew him.Please know that in your time of grief you will be in our thoughts and prayers.
God Bless.
Steven, Karen And Khristopher Shonta, Middlefield Ct
Keith Marvin
September 6, 2006
To the Family: Sheryl and I will be thinking of you with your loss of a wonderful father and husband. Rest assured that he is one of the special people that gave a lot back during his life to others and will be remembered..our deepest sympathy to all.
Sandra Rodriguez Barron
September 6, 2006
Thank you
To my beloved father, who left us on August 31, 2006.
Dad, it was you who taught me to see the see the beauty of El Salvador’s beaches; to love nature and books, to question everything under the sun. I write because you taught me to observe, to think, to wonder, to imagine. I will always miss you, every single day of my life.
The Baby
Olga Flores-Jiantonio
September 6, 2006
We will miss Johnnie. I have only good memories from my childhood. He was always so full of life and willing to give of himself.
Delores Holley
September 6, 2006
To The Family:
I offer my sincere Sympathy in the lost of your loved one.
May the Great memories...help to comfort you.
Chuck Peterson
September 6, 2006
To The Family of Juan Rodriguez,
Please accept my deepest sympathy at hearing of the news of Juan's death. As a new teacher at Hartford Public High School, he was an excellent mentor helping me with hints on how to teach Chemistry, keep my sanity and most of all, how to laugh and enjoy my job. His example of helping others will be carried on by all the people who knew him.
Sincerely,
Chuck Peterson
Chemistry teacher
HPHS
Showing 1 - 62 of 62 results
Make a Donation
in Juan Rodriguez's name
Memorial Events
for Juan Rodriguez
How to support Juan's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Juan Rodriguez's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
